1 Thessalonians 2:2-8
Brethren: we had confidence in our God to preach to you the gospel of God amid much anxiety. For our exhortation was not from error, nor from impure motives, nor from guile. But as approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak not as pleasing men, but God, who proves our hearts. For at no time have we used words of flattery, as you know, nor any pretext for avarice, God is witness, nor have we sought glory from men, neither from you nor from others. Although as the apostles of Christ we could have claimed a position of honour among you, still while in your midst we were as children: as if a nurse were cherishing her own children, so we in our love for you would gladly have imparted to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls: because you had become most dear to us.
Haydock
Verse 3. Our exhortation was not proceeding from error. That is, was not by promoting errors, or uncleanness. Wi.
Verse 4. As we were approved of and chosen by God to announce his gospel, we have tried to correspond with his designs; and we speak in a spirit of disinterestedness, not to please men, but God. Being chosen by God, it is to him we must render an account. Have we spoken to you in words of flattery? Have we disguised the gospel truth, or concealed its austerity? Have we made piety a cloak for avarice? &c. Calmet.
Verse 5. Nor taken an occasion of covetousness. Not so as to make the gospel a cloak for gain-sake. Wi.
Verse 7. But we became little, by our carriage, and by our humility and kindness. In the Greek, made ourselves gentle, good natured, &c. Wi.
Verse 8. Because you were become most dear to us. Lit. desiring you. S. Chrys. admires the tender expressions of love in S. Paul. Wi.